Numbers-Matching Tri-Power with TH400 Transmission

1964 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Description

Up for sale is a 1964 Pontiac GTO Hardtop with a numbers-matching high performance tri-power engine and TH400 automatic transmission. This is an original tri-power automatic with papers from the Pontiac Historical Society. The block is an incredibly rare numbers-matching “77J” block topped off with a set of numbers-matching “9770716” heads, numbers-matching “9775088” intake manifold, and three original Rochester two-barrel carburetors, which appear to be numbers-matching as well. The PHS paperwork shows that the car rolled off the assembly line on July 9, 1964. The casting code on the block is “D 9773155 F64”, which means that it was cast during the day shift on June 6, 1964. The date code on each head is “F264”, which means that each head was cast on June 26, 1964. The intake manifold is date-coded “E284”, which means that it was cast on May 28, 1964. These casting dates fit nice and tight with the final assembly date of July 9, 1964. The engine was built in 2017. When I bought the car in 2011, it came with the numbers-matching heads, intake, and carburetors mentioned above but the numbers stamped on the front of the block showed that it came out of a 1964 Grand Prix. I searched for five years and finally found a numbers-matching 77J block in April of 2017 and started the engine build right after that. The block was in good shape (no cracks or welds) but had been bored .040 over. It cleaned up at .060, making it 428 cubic inches. The old crankshaft, rods, and pistons were replaced with a new rotating assembly sold and balanced by Butler Performance. New main studs, freeze plugs, high-performance cam, camshaft bearings, rod bearings, main bearings, file-fit pistons rings, wrist pins, timing chain, head studs, and fuel pump were installed. The bottom end received a new oil pump and heavy-duty oil pump shaft. The front end received a new water pump, water pump plate, and timing cover. A new crank pulley was bought from Ram Air Restoration to match the low-profile crankshaft from Butler and ensure perfect external-pulley alignment. The block and heads were resurfaced and new valve/push rod geometry was provided by Butler. Hydraulic roller lifters, custom push rods, 1.5 ratio roller rockers, valves, and valve springs recommended by Butler were installed. Valve cover spacers were added so that vintage valve covers could still be used. The factory oil tube is maintained as original with a longer dipstick used to compensate for spacer height. All brackets on the engine are per factory specs, including the two alternator brackets, power steering bracket, oil tube bracket, heater tube bracket, and spark plug cable brackets. The carburetor bases have been reworked and sealed by Mike’s Carburetors and work very well. The carburetors have been rebuilt and can run on modern gas. The vacuum choke on the center carb works like a top and the idle-circuit stoichiometery is nailed at 4.7 to 1. The carbs are topped with OEM tops, bases, and filters from Ames. Vacuum fittings are OEM and functional as well.New engine and electrical harnesses were installed in 2016. The alternator has been upgraded to a high-performance one-wire Powermaster which, except for the one wire, looks and installs exactly like the factory original. The starter is enclosed in a thermal blanker for heat protection. The factory exhaust manifolds have been replaced with ceramic headers from Doug’s. The car came equipped from the factory with tail pipe splitters and they remain. When I bought the car, I did not know that the factory two-speed Powerglide transmission had been replaced with a three-speed TH400. I noticed that the transmission was trying to shift into a third gear and, when I looked under the car and saw that the TH400, I installed new shifter linkage so that all the gears could be used. I even replaced the factory two-speed shifter plate in the console with one that shows all three forward shifting positions for the TH400. It was rebuilt along with the engine in 2017. The rear end has a gear ratio of 3.23 to 1, which makes her fast with tons of torque. You should hear the secondaries kick in when you mash the accelerator at highway speed...time to hold on.The car came from the factory with air shocks, which have been replaced with a set of Gabriel Hijackers. Factory wheels and red-line tires have been replaced with Cragars and B.F. Goodrich Radial TAs. A factory jack and spare tire are in the trunk. The car came with a factory trunk light, which works. It also came from the factory with power windows and a power bucket seat for the driver -- also incredibly rare -- which work as well. The car also came from the factory with the optional center console, wood-grain steering wheel, vacuum gauge, and tachometer. Everything works except for the brand new tachometer purchased from Ames. It works intermittently and the folks at Ames have tested it and swear it works and say that all I need to do is wire it directly to the battery, which is not factory but should be an easy fix. This car also came with factory power-steering and power-brakes. New drums, bearings, and brake assemblies were installed last year and the drums were blacked out to give it a wicked look. Brakes work excellent despite the low vacuum produced by the high-performance cam at idle.The car came from the factory painted Cameo Ivory with a black interior, which are retained. The paint shows wear consistent with its age but is in good condition. No rust is present underneath the car. A Kenwood stereo is mounted in the glove box, Kenwood speakers are mounted in the kick panels and package tray, and an amplifier and subwoofer are mounted in the trunk. The car came from the factory with a rear power antenna, which still goes up and down with a flick of its original dash-mounted switch. Headlights are Triple Ts and are fully functional, along with the tail lights, parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and horn. The winning bidder will also receive a set of factory shop manuals, restoration guide, invoices, schematics, and specialty tools (including wiper puller and door handle remover) in addition to the PHS paperwork for the car.I realize that a limited number of pictures are provided so please ask any questions you may have. Video and additional photographs can be provided by e-mail. Potential buyers are also encouraged to come and look at the car if you can. This car is being sold as is, where is, so please do not bid if you have any questions or concerns. Payment of a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $500.00 is required within 24 hours of auction end. Final payment is due one week later. I have clear title in hand. Signed title and a bill of sale will be sent to buyer via overnight mail upon clearance of funds. Shipping arrangements and payment for shipping are buyer’s responsibility. Please let me know if you have any questions and good luck on the bidding.